SASH at Sea

SEXUAL ASSAULT & HARASSMENT TRAINING FOR CADETS & SEAFARERS

What it is:

A 90-minute, conversation-led session on sexual assault and harassment in maritime and port environments, aligned with the 2026 STCW SASH competence requirements
Built around realistic shipboard scenarios, turning policy into day-to-day behaviour and actions

Who it's for:

Maritime colleges and cadet programmes preparing new seafarers for first sea phase
Shipping companies and ports responsible for SASH competence, culture and compliance for mixed crews

Why it works:

Written specifically for ships, not boardrooms – no generic corporate HR content.
Tackles grey areas, power dynamics and the Gen Z / Gen X gap, with clear language and steps people can actually use on board

Why this matters now

Most maritime organisations already have policies and “awareness” sessions. And yet:

Incidents are still under-reported or handled informally.
Cadets and junior crew learn to work around people and problems instead of addressing them.
Gen Z seafarers and Gen X leaders are often talking past each other – especially around boundaries, humour and “banter”.

From 1 January 2026, companies also need to demonstrate competence around sexual assault and harassment prevention and response – not just say, “We did a course”.

SASH at Sea is built to bridge that gap: turning policy into behaviour, and behaviour into evidence.

How SASH at Sea works

Format:

Live, interactive session online via Zoom/Teams or on-site
Standard duration: 90 minutes
Ideal group size: 16–24 participants (larger numbers via multiple cohorts)

Learning style:

Realistic maritime scenarios and case examples – no awkward role-play
Polls, chat prompts and guided discussion so people talk, reflect and apply
Straightforward language, focused on “What do I do in my role?” rather than abstract theory
Content tailored to your vessels, cadet profiles and reporting routes so it feels like “us”, not generic training

What participants will be able to do:

SASH at Sea is designed to move people from “we know the policy” to actively preventing and responding to SASH incidents with confidence.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Recognise the difference between banter, grey-zone behaviour and unacceptable conduct – including how this can look different across generations and cultures
Set boundaries and call out behaviour early using clear, practical language that works in a shipboard environment
Respond safely in the first moments after an incident or disclosure, whether they are a witness, peer or senior officer
Report concerns using onboard and shore-based routes, with enough detail to support fair and timely follow-up.

Compliance and assurance

From January 2026, amendments to STCW introduced through IMO Resolution MSC.560(108) require new seafarers to demonstrate competence in preventing and responding to SASH as part of their basic training. This sits alongside existing obligations under STCW Code A-VI/1-4, MLC Regulation 4.3, the ISM Code, and shoreside duties to prevent harassment arising from the UK Worker Protection Act 2023.

SASH at Sea is designed to support organisations in meeting these expectations in a way that is practical for cadets and crews and credible for auditors.

For each delivery, you receive:

Attendance records suitable for internal records and inspections.
A short note summarising how the session supports relevant SASH-related competence and duty-to-prevent expectations.

How we shape SASH at Sea for you

SASH at Sea has a clear core framework, but it is never delivered as a one-size-fits-all session. We start with the basics you already have – your cadet programme, fleet profile, routes, reporting processes and existing training – and then shape the course around your reality. The framework – recognising, preventing, responding and reporting – stays the same, but the scenarios, emphasis and discussion are moulded to fit your people.

Cadet cohorts:

We thread SASH at Sea into your existing programme so every intake gets a focused session before going to sea, using examples and language that match the vessels and situations they’re actually heading into.

Crews and officers:

We focus on the dynamics you’re seeing on board: mixed-nationality crews, particular ranks, specific problem areas, or recent themes from incident reports.

Specific communities:

For example, women’s networks or junior officer groups, where you want a space to talk honestly about lived experience and practical upstander options, not just policy.

SASH at Sea – Calm. Clear. Compliant.